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State Fire Marshal J. William Degnan
(603) 223-4289

Keep Your Holidays From Going Up in Flames!

December 2012 – For most of us, the holiday season represents a time for family festivities and good cheer. What few of us consider is that the holiday season is a time when there is an increased risk of home fires. According to State Fire Marshal, J. William Degnan, many households engage in holiday activities that serve as some of the leading causes of U.S. home fires, including cooking, Christmas trees, and candle usage. Holiday decorations also significantly contribute to the seasonal causes of home fires. Add to that the hectic nature of the holidays, when people are trying to accomplish multiple tasks at one time, and the chance for home fires grows even further.

“As everyone gets busier during the holidays, we often become rushed, distracted or tired,” says Marshal Degnan. “That’s when home fires are more likely to occur. By taking some preventative steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented.”

With unattended cooking as the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, it’s important to stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Most cooking fires involve the stovetop, so keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it is for a short period of time. If you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking. Marshal Degnan also suggests creating a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.

Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) statistics show almost half of all home decoration fires are started by candles. Marshal Degnan encourages everyone to consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12” away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom where one-third of U.S. candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep. Lastly, never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.

Many home structure fires begin with Christmas Trees. One of every three of Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems, and one in five results from a heat source that’s too close to the tree. Marshal Degnan offers the following advice for picking, placing and lighting your tree:

If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.

If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.

Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.

Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.

Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.

After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home. Check your local community for a Christmas tree recycling program.

Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

“The holidays can quickly turn from joyful to tragic when a fire occurs,” says Marshal Degnan.” By taking simple precautions, people can avoid potential fire hazards, and make this time of year a healthy and happy one.”